Transanal transabdominal TME: how far can we push it?

Area of Science:

• Colorectal surgery
• Surgical oncology
• Minimally invasive surgery

Background:

• Surgical technology has advanced significantly over decades.
• Electrocautery, minimally invasive platforms, and pneumorectum maintenance have improved techniques.
• Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has emerged for rectal cancer resection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolving technique of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME).
• To focus on future directions in taTME for rectal cancer surgery.
• To highlight taTME as a viable alternative for oncologically sound rectal cancer resection.

Main Methods:

• Review of the evolving transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) technique.
• Focus on advancements in surgical technology and platforms.
• Analysis of oncological principles and functional outcomes.

Main Results:

• Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) provides a viable alternative for rectal cancer resection.
• taTME is particularly favorable for low rectal lesions in narrow pelves after neoadjuvant treatment.
• The technique supports safe and oncologically sound TME.

Conclusions:

• Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) represents a significant advancement in rectal cancer surgery.
• The technique offers a promising approach for achieving optimal oncological and functional outcomes.
• Continued innovation in taTME is expected to further benefit patients with rectal cancer.